A Brian Umony strike was enough to send the record champions, Express FC to this year’s Uganda Cup semifinals after beating BUL FC on Monday afternoon.
The former KCCA FC striker capitalized on a Frank Tumwesigye ‘Zaga’ cross only two minutes into the game at Wankulukuku to beat the BUL goalkeeper for Express’ opener and only goal of the day.
Despite efforts by the soap makers to try to level matters at Wankulukuku, the Red Eagles held onto their lead tightly until the last minute, seeing George Ssemwogerere’s boys through to the semifinals.
Speaking shortly after the game, Ssemwogerere heaped praise on Brian Umony for lifting the team to glory at home.
“It was not a surprise to me that he(Umony) scored because he did the same in training twice,” the Express gaffer said.
He noted that the Uganda Cup is now his team’s first priority adding he will do all it takes to ensure his teams restores its past glory.
“I need to win it but I have to prepare for it.”
Goal scorer, Brian Umony said what happened today was a confidence boaster for him after recovering from a long injury before joining the Red Eagles.
“It is a confidence boaster and it always feels nice. It is not all about me but the entire team at Express, “he said.
Express FC now joins Big League side Kyetume FC in the Uganda Cup semifinals after the latter stunned moneybags Wakiso Giants on Sunday at their Nakisunga fortress 4-1 in penalty shootouts after a barren draw in the mandatory time.
In other games, Bright Stars beat Nebbi Central one nil to also book a semifinal berth in the Uganda Cup.
This is the 45th edition of the Uganda Cup that started in 1971.
Express FC and KCCA FC on ten times are the most successful teams in the second most prestigious competition in Ugandan football.
KCCA FC are the defending champions but were eliminated in this year’s edition by Tooro United.
The winners of the tournament will walk home with shs40 million and shs.20 million whereas semifinalists and quarter finalists will get shs10 million and shs5 million respectively.
Uganda Cup Quarterfinal results
Kyetume 4(0)- 1(0) Wakiso Giants
Express 1- 0 BUL
Nebbi Central 0-1 Bright Stars.